Energy assistance program Project SHARE announced

Published: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 10:48 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 10:50 p.m.

The Etowah-Cherokee chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting applications Jan. 14 for Project SHARE, an energy assistance program for low-income elderly or disabled individuals.

SHARE stands for Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to the amount of SHARE funds the chapters receive.

A Red Cross representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance. For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.

To qualify for assistance, family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household. The head of household also must be 62 or older, or receive a disability check

Project SHARE was introduced in 1982 through an agreement between Alabama Power Co. and the American Red Cross. Since 1984, Alabama Gas Corp. and 24 other electric cooperatives and municipalities have joined and now participate in the program.

Project SHARE is funded through the voluntary pledges made by customers of participating energy suppliers. Assistance is geared toward the need of the client rather than entitlement.

Etowah County residents can set up an appointment by calling the Etowah chapter office from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 256-547-8667. Cherokee County residents call the Cherokee chapter office during the same hours at 256-927–3797.

Chapter Director Joy Ballenger said more than 600 families were helped in the two counties last year, and about $75,000 was contributed to help with energy costs.

<p>The Etowah-Cherokee chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting applications Jan. 14 for Project SHARE, an energy assistance program for low-income elderly or disabled individuals.</p><p>SHARE stands for Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy.</p><p>Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to the amount of SHARE funds the chapters receive.</p><p>A Red Cross representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance. For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.</p><p>To qualify for assistance, family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household. The head of household also must be 62 or older, or receive a disability check</p><p>Project SHARE was introduced in 1982 through an agreement between Alabama Power Co. and the American Red Cross. Since 1984, Alabama Gas Corp. and 24 other electric cooperatives and municipalities have joined and now participate in the program.</p><p>Project SHARE is funded through the voluntary pledges made by customers of participating energy suppliers. Assistance is geared toward the need of the client rather than entitlement.</p><p>Etowah County residents can set up an appointment by calling the Etowah chapter office from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 256-547-8667. Cherokee County residents call the Cherokee chapter office during the same hours at 256-927–3797. </p><p>Chapter Director Joy Ballenger said more than 600 families were helped in the two counties last year, and about $75,000 was contributed to help with energy costs.</p><p>She said a second assistance program will take place in the summer.</p>